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Afghan Farmers Learn New Techniques

By Air Force 2nd Lt. Brooke BrzozowskeSpecial to American Forces Press Service

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan, Nov. 6, 2009  Civil affairs members of the provincial reconstruction team hosted an Afghan-led agricultural training event in the Bermel district here.

Afghan farmers gather around a garden while working a practical exercise during an agricultural training class in Bermel, Afghanistan, Nov. 1, 2009. Civil affairs members of the provincial reconstruction team in Afghanistan’s Paktika province hosted efforts in an Afghan-led agricultural training event. U.S. Army photo by Cpl. David Ferris(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

The training offered instruction and discussion on agricultural topics for seven Bermel area farmers.

“Most of the people in this area are farmers,” said Army Cpl. David Ferris, a civil affairs team member. “Even if they have other jobs, they often have an orchard, garden, field or herd.”

Each of the training sessions was studied in detail over the three-day course, which ended Nov. 1.

“Trainees practiced teaching various topics, and are expected to teach other farmers upon returning to their village,” said Army Sgt. Army Sgt. Lara Gale, a civil affairs team member.

Two local Afghan farmers, Isalmudin and Hamimmullah, taught the course. Having studied agriculture in universities in Pakistan and Afghanistan, they brought skill sets in agricultural awareness to the teaching opportunity. Bermel’s sub-governor, Daulat Khan, also assisted in orchard care training, based on extensive experience with his own orchards.

Ferris said the event seemed to accomplish its goal.

“The students seemed excited for future collaborations between the government and the farmers in this area,” he said.